The annual Academy Museum Gala that serves as a fundraiser for the museum’s exhibitions, educational programmes, and public initiatives, is one of Hollywood’s premier events. The fourth celebration of this event, held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures did not disappoint. The red carpet was a who's who of A-list celebrities including Ariana Grande, the Kardashian sisters, Nicole Kidman, and Selena Gomez, all sporting their most elegant evening looks.
The annual gala also celebrates the achievements of the film industry and honours those who have made significant contributions to cinema. This year’s honorees were Paul Mescal, Rita Moreno, and Quentin Tarantino; Mescal received the Vantage Award as an emerging artist, Moreno was honoured with the Icon Award, and Tarantino was given the Luminary Award.
Unlike the sometimes over-the-top looks at the Met Gala or the overly styled Oscars, attendees here embraced just the right mix of glamour and edge. The result? Daring yet elegant looks that cemented this event as almost the most fashionable red carpet of the year. Each outfit was a masterclass in refined risk-taking, striking a balance between fresh choices and timeless sophistication.
Here are best looks from the starry night at the Academy Museum Gala:
Selena Gomez
Singer-actor Selena Gomez turned heads in a midnight blue velvet halter Alaïa gown with a plunging neckline, paired with an exposed leather bustier. The dress also had a short train that perfectly brought in a royal touch to the look in addition to Gomez’s Tiffany cuffs.
Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande graced the red carpet in an elegant polka-dotted Balmain dress. This ball gown was a custom replica from Pierre Balmain’s Spring-Summer 1983 collection. Grande added a subtle note of bling to her retro look with dazzling diamond jewellery and black mesh gloves to complement the dress.
Kim Kardashian
Kim rocked vintage Thierry Mugler for the night, in a white constructed corset paired with a draped white coat falling to the floor. She looked like an old Hollywood starlet with eye-catching diamond jewellery from Tiffany and her hair down in Marilyn Monroe inspired defined waves.
Nicole Kidman
It’s hard to say if Nicole Kidman chose this black Balenciaga gown or if the gown chose her! Undoubtedly, the best dressed and didn’t look any short of an academy award herself. At first glance the dress might look elegant but it also was sultry with the backless back and opera-like elbow long gloves.
Cynthia Erivo
Continuing to dress as her 'Wicked’ character as she preps for the film's release, Cynthia Erivo donned a beaded light mint green gown by Louis Vuitton. The dress was strapless and cinched at the waist with added volume for that drama. Erivo also accessorised with chunky diamond jewellery and long, claw nails that made for a glamorous look.
Kaia Gerber
Kaia Gerber, model and actress, graced the red carpet in a black chiffon floor-length dress from Alexander McQueen’s fall 1997 haute couture collection for Givenchy. This was also a tribute to the classic piece worn by Audrey Hepburn, making for a beautiful 'My Fair Lady' moment. A close second to Nicole Kidman’s look for the evening.
Kendall and Kylie Jenner
The Jenner sisters delivered some of their best sister coded looks yet each highlighting their style in slinky, sculptural designs. Kylie wore a figure-hugging Mugler gown that featured a sheer bodice and a sleek black skirt with hip cut-outs. Similarly, Kendall also wore a black Schiaparelli gown with avant-garde cut-outs on the top and a large silver brooch in the centre, giving the outfit all the glam it needs with a refined silhouette.
Demi Moore
Demi Moore channelled classic elegance meets glamour at the gala, donning a striking Prada blue sequin gown with a contrasting pop of pink satin lining. Paired with sleek Prada silver sandals and sparkling Tiffany & Co. jewels, the ensemble’s appeal was in its effortless and stunning, both!
Lead image: Getty Images
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